ABL acquires former Accinov GMP manufacturing plant

The US biotech CDMO now operates a 6,500sqm facility in Lyon equipped with grade B and C cleanrooms and self-contained labs

Biotechnology contract manufacturer ABL has announced the acquisition of a 6,500sqm GMP manufacturing facility located in Lyon, France. The deal was made through its wholly-owned subsidiary ABL Europe.

Formerly operated under Accinov, the team led by Operations Director Stephanie Colloud have transitioned to ABL with additional recruitment supporting suite and lab alterations, equipment procurement and qualification.

Strategic acquisition

Maintaining synergy with ABL’s contract development and virus manufacturing operations in Strasbourg and Rockville, the new Lyon site will focus on providing ABL’s clients with increased options and capacities in response to the rapid growth in demand for the production of viral vectors observed in the immuno-oncolytic and gene therapy space.

“Building on the success since our inception, it becomes a key part of our clients’ and ABL’s corporate development objectives to expand our virus biomanufacturing service offering,” noted Patrick Mahieux, General Manager of ABL Europe.

He added: “Benefitting from the history and presence of a strong biotech community in Lyon, ABL accelerates its growth in viral vector CMO business in the home city of the Institut Mérieux.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Jarlath Keating, President and CEO of ABL, said: “Our recently acquired state-of-the-art biomanufacturing and bioanalytical facility in Lyon will provide additional capacity and flexibility for our global clients, further solidifying ABL’s presence in the rapidly growing viral vector and gene therapy manufacturing market. I am delighted to welcome the new team in Lyon as a valuable addition to the expanding ABL family.”

According to ABL, contract services for process transfer, development and GMP manufacturing of viral vectors are expected to commence in Lyon from the end of Q4 2018.

Headquartered in Rockville, a Maryland city near Washington, DC, ABL specialises in biomanufacturing and immunobiology.